Canadian Museum of History's "1867 – Rebellion and Confederation" exhibit opens at Gibson House Museum today

Gibson House Museum is proud to host the Canadian Museum of History's travelling exhibition "1867 – Rebellion and Confederation" from June 3 to August 27. This exhibit is presented as part of TO Canada with Love, the City of Toronto's year-long program of celebrations, commemorations and exhibitions honouring Canada's 150th birthday.

At the 1867 – Rebellion and Confederation exhibit, visitors can explore the three decades leading up to Canada's Confederation through maps, images and artifacts that outline the struggles for responsible government and the national discussions that brought Canada into being during a time of tremendous social upheaval.

Toronto personalities, conditions and events of this era will also be highlighted through a parallel exhibit featuring artifacts from the City of Toronto's collection.

“It is fitting that this exhibit is being hosted at Gibson House Museum," said Mayor John Tory. "The Gibson family were forced to flee Canada for 11 years after the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837 and their experiences add another fascinating layer of history to this exhibit."

"1867 is a pivotal year in our history, marking Confederation and the beginning of our country and province's road to ever increasing inclusiveness and diversity. Our government is proud to support this initiative under the Ontario150 program," said Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. "The exhibit serves as an important reminder of the sacrifices others made to create a better Canada and a stronger Ontario."

Admission to the 1867 – Rebellion and Confederation exhibit is included in the general admission to the museum. This summer, Gibson House Museum will also present two sets of special ticketed events. Tickets to these events are $25 per person plus tax; pre-payment is required. Tickets are available at https://gibsonhousemuseum.streamintickets.com. These events are not recommended for children under 12.

Rebel Afternoons (July 8, 15 and 22, 2 to 4 p.m.) will take participants on a journey back to the 1830s where currents of discontent and rebellion are sweeping the concession roads, farms and inns of Upper Canada. Rebel leader David Gibson, recreated by master storyteller Bruce Carmody, expounds on the ideas and issues fueling the reformers. Historic rebellious refreshments will be served.

Rebellious Women (August 12, 19 and 26, 2 to 4 p.m.) will highlight the aftermath of the Rebellion of Upper Canada from the perspective of three women whose lives were touched by the turbulent events of 1837. Playwright and actor Adrianna Prosser portrays Mrs. Gibson and her guests Mrs. Cummer and Mrs. Sheppard, gathering for tea in 1851. Victorian-inspired tea will be served.

This exhibition and these events are part of the City's TO Canada with Love program and is supported by funding from the Province of Ontario's Ontario150 program.

Additionally, from June 3 to August 31, Gibson House Museum will provide canning jars, guidelines and suggestions for North York residents and community organizations to create their own Canada Memory Jar for inclusion in the museum's fall 2017 exhibit: Gibson House Preserves. Participants are encouraged to assemble items in their jar to depict their favourite memories of Canada. For more details on the exhibition and how to participate please visit: http://www.toronto.ca/gibsonhouse. This project is part of the City's TO Canada with Love program.

Gibson House Museum is one of 10 historic sites operated by the City of Toronto. For more information visit http://www.toronto.ca/museums. The public can also interact with the sites on Twitter @TOHistoricsites and on Facebook at facebook.com/historictoronto.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. In 2017, Toronto will honour Canada's 150th birthday with "TO Canada with Love," a year-long program of celebrations, commemorations and exhibitions. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TorontoComms and on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto.